IMPORTANT SCHOOL BUDGET VOTE INFORMATION

Unanticipated delays occurred beyond the district’s control in the delivery of absentee ballots for this year’s school budget vote and board election. All ballots should be received by qualified voters by the end of the day Saturday, June 6. Learn more.

On Monday, Dec. 16, Shaker High School senior Aarya Kaushik was honored at the Board of Education meeting as the Kids Care recipient for December.

Aarya writes poetry and last month she was asked to write a poem for the veterans memorial ceremony held at the high school. At the Board meeting, Aarya read the poem and received a standing ovation.

For Aarya, this poem had meaning, as she has a special tie to veterans. Aarya has been volunteering at the Albany VA hospital in the inpatient nursing home and the hospice wing since she was 11 years old. Both of Aarya’s parents work at the VA as well.

“Some of my favorite times are just when I can sit down and spend time with the veterans, when I get to know them and hear their stories,” Aarya said.

Aarya has also written a book of poetry called “Stardust,” which was published over the summer and can now be bought on Amazon.